From Huskies To Husbands

Even though we have the diagnosis of sacroiliitis we know that there is something else going on.  Something that is causing the pain both joint and muscular.  Something that is causing the IBS to worsen.  Something that is keeping me from sleeping.  Something that is making me live in a “brain fog” more and more often.  Something that is making me depressed and anxious.  Something - some one thing - has to be at the center of this health spiral.

The PA mentioned that I should research things some.  He is trying to figure this out medically but at this point we seem to be where we were last fall when DH and I figured that medical mess out too.  Some of my looking around at what is going on with me symptom wise kind of has me scared.  According to the Mayo Clinic …”Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points — places on your body where slight pressure causes pain. (Yes)

Signs and symptoms of fibromyalgia can vary, depending on the weather, stress, physical activity or even the time of day.

Widespread pain and tender points
The pain associated with fibromyalgia is described as a constant dull ache, typically arising from muscles. (Yes)  To be considered widespread, the pain must occur on both sides of your body and above and below your waist.

Fibromyalgia is characterized by additional pain when firm pressure is applied to specific areas of your body, called tender points. Tender point locations include:

• Back of the head - Yes
• Between shoulder blades - Yes
• Top of shoulders - Yes
• Front sides of neck- Yes
• Upper chest - Yes
• Outer elbows
• Upper hips - Yes
• Sides of hips - Yes
• Inner knees

Fatigue and sleep disturbances
People with fibromyalgia often awaken tired, even though they seem to get plenty of sleep. (Yes)  Experts believe that these people rarely reach the deep restorative stage of sleep. Sleep disorders that have been linked to fibromyalgia include restless legs syndrome and sleep apnea.

Co-existing conditions
Many people who have fibromyalgia also may have:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Depression - Yes
• Endometriosis - No, but PCOS
• Headaches - Yes
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) - Yes
• Lupus
• Osteoarthritis
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Restless legs syndrome
• Rheumatoid arthritis”